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Healthy Breakfasts for Kids

The school year is in full swingand suddenly mornings have gotten hectic. It can be tempting to feed your kids whatever they’ll eat for breakfast(even if that’s a sugary toaster pastry)ortosometimeslet themskip breakfast all together. But according toa recent study, skipping breakfast can have nutritional consequences for kids.

The study, published in theEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition,analyzed survey data from 8,590 kids aged 2 to 12. Kids who skipped breakfastnot onlysnacked more—they snacked on more sugary treats. Breakfast shunners had significantly lower intakes of fiber, folate, iron, and calcium.That’s a real eye opener for me, since my six-year-old always complains she’s not hungry in the morning, so I’m often guilty of sending her to school unfed.Kids whodidchow down in the morningate more fruits and whole grains and had better overall diet quality scores.i

Luckily, Complete by Juice Plus+ can make the task of cooking a healthy breakfast for kids a snap. Whether you use it to make smoothies, baked oatmeal, or pancakes, Complete by Juice Plus+ provides protein and fiber to give your kids the energy they need for a day at school. And better yet, most of these recipes can be made ahead of time and served when your crew is dressed and ready to eat.

These chocolate-peanut butter oat balls, adapted fromEating Bird Food,are a perfect example of a healthy breakfast on the go that’s full of kidappeal.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oat Balls

Makes 20-24 balls

1 ½ cups rolled oats

1 cup natural peanut butter

¼ cup honey

¼ cComplete byJuice Plus+ Dutch Chocolate shake mix

2 T chocolate chips (optional)*

Addall ingredientstoa large bowl.Kneadthe dough by hand to get it thoroughly combined. Form into balls. Store inthe fridgeor freezer.Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite plant-based milk.

*Note: I use Lily brand chocolate chips, which are sweetened with erythritol and stevia.

Or, if youonly havetime to throw some ingredients in a blender, this orange-almond smoothie, adapted fromMilesfit,is sure to please. On extra-hurried mornings, your kiddo can even drink itfrom a thermos at the bus stop.

Eating together isn’t always feasible on school mornings, what with everyone leaving at different times, but a weekend breakfast is the perfect time toenjoysome family time. After all, it’s National Family Meals Month, which is a good reminder that eating meals together is associated witha bunch of benefits for kids, including better nutrition, better behavior, and better grades. This pancake recipe, adapted fromA Sweet Pea Chef,might evengetyour teenout of bed andto the table.

Chocolate-Banana Protein Pancakes

Makes10 smallpancakes

4 eggs

2 ripe bananas

¾ cup rolled oats

¼ cupComplete byJuice Plus+ Dutch Chocolate shake mix

2 T cocoa powder

1 t cinnamon

Banana slices and/or fresh raspberries for topping

1 T coconut oil or butter forskillet

Mash the bananas with a fork and blend with eggs, oats, Juice Plus+ shake mix, cocoa, and cinnamon with a whisk or blender.Melt coconut oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pour 1/4cup batter into the skillet at a time, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook 2-4 minutes, until bubbles appear in center. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.Butter and serve toppedandfreshfruit.

Have you invented a healthy breakfast recipe using Juice Plus+? Share in the comments!